Now Boarding!

Discover the Trains of Washington State

By Teresa Nordheim

Washington. With so much to offer, how could I pick one thing to share about the state where I was born and raised? Then it hit me as my toddler decided to take an off-track adventure with her toy train and stopped on my foot. The toy left track marks, but did inspire the idea to share Washington railroad attractions.

All Aboard!

The Spirit of Washington Dinner Train departs from Renton, Wash. After purchasing Washington Central Railroad in 1986, the Temple family restored the old boxcars and decided to bring back to life one of railroad's lost experiences, the dinner train.

Enjoy a three-hour and 15-minute train ride through the beautiful Northwest. While enjoying the scenery, nibble on prime rib, cherry smoke roasted salmon or crab enchiladas. Make sure you save room for the Washington apple crisp or chocolate paradiso.

Do you enjoy a good "who-done-it"? The mystery train offers intrigue and adventure. Clues hide throughout the train car. Staged actors blend in with the regular passengers, making it impossible to distinguish them. Does one of the clues implicate you? A detective aids in solving the crime as you enjoy a dinner you will not forget.

If you seek entertainment from local magicians and sleight-of-hand artists, the Magic Train may be what you are looking for. Magic happens right before your eyes as entertainers perform in the dining car.

Their Web site, www.spiritofwashingdinnertrain.com offers fares, schedules, menus and a virtual tour.

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